TFC is 25 This Year!!
Posted: February 1, 2019 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentTwenty-five years went by in a flash. So much has changed, and yet much remains the same. For example, The Family Center mission has changed, but the professional, compassionate, trauma-informed way that we work with client families has never changed -and never will change.
Take a look at our Then and Now list below. What do you remember most from 25 years ago?
| THEN | NOW |
|---|---|
| TFC’s work answers a child’s question, “Who will take care of me?” | TFC’s work keeps families stronger, longer. |
| The Lion King and Forrest Gump are released in theatres. | Black Panther makes Academy Award history as the first superhero movie nominated for an Oscar. |
| TFC works predominantly with children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. | TFC works with New Yorkers and families affected by any illness, crisis, or loss. |
| Major League Baseball Players Association begins a strike causing the season to be canceled. | Mariano Rivera becomes the first person unanimously nominated into the Baseball Hall of Fame. |
| TFC opens on Reade Street in lower Manhattan but serves families city-wide. | TFC’s office is in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn but we continue to serve New Yorkers throughout the city in numerous locations. |
| Amazon is founded. | Amazon announces its plans to open HQ2 in Long Island City. |
| TFC provides predominantly social and legal services. | TFC offers social, legal, and behavioral health services. |
| Sheryl Crow won best new artist at the Grammy’s. | Kendrick Lamar wins a Pulitzer Prize for Music. |
| TFC is grounded in research that shows how many children will be orphaned by HIV/AIDS. | TFC research demonstrates that our programs reduce maternal depression and improve the chances of mothers returning to work or school, among other positive metrics. |
Thank you for following this blog and for supporting The Family Center on our 25-year journey. We look forward to celebrating our 25th Anniversary with you throughout 2019!
Self Admiration
Posted: August 4, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentAs the clinicians at The Family Center embark on learning and practicing Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) we have been working with families who have had experiences that are difficult to cope with. When working with these families the expectation was that the resistance and hard work would come around retelling their trauma narratives and working through the emotions and thoughts that accompanied the narrative. However, this was not what we have found. What has been difficult is empowering caregivers to provide “unmerited” praise to their children. As part of the TF-CBT training model, the clinicians also had to practice the exercises we required of caregivers, and we as clinicians found it just as hard to give praise in our personal lives. This did not settle well with clinicians that understand the value of praise and used it often in their professional lives.
An Isaiah Zagar mosaic in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
In our world, in our country, and in the environments that inform our persons, praise is a commodity not often distributed to the masses. We work hard for the praises we receive and expect the same for those to whom we offer our praises. Unfortunately, we miss out on the joy and pleasure of reminding someone they are valuable, talented and deserving, and in a less altruistic way, we void ourselves of those feelings as well. So, starting in The Family Support and Counseling Program at The Family Center we are going to praise ourselves and each other more. As we begin to build ourselves up with positive and loving self-talk the desire to share this feeling with others will naturally follow.
The goal is to move this from a practice, to lifestyle, then to a cultural shift. Join us as we make our city a place where praise and loving-kindness are the first words we share with others.
Social Worker in the Family Support and Counseling Program
2017 GrandRally
Posted: April 28, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentChildren are welcomed to join in this day-long event. The Brooklyn pick-up and drop-off will be near Atlantic Center, and the Manhattan pick-up and drop-off location will be near the State Office Building on 125th St. in Harlem. There is a $30 suggested donation, but everyone will be welcomed regardless of the ability to pay.
If you are interested in joining this empowering trip, click here to register and reserve your seat(s). If you have any questions or need help registering please contact Marya Gilborn at mgilborn@thefamilycenter.org
Portrait of A Family Center Attorney
Posted: February 20, 2017 Filed under: Our Cherished Children & Families, Our Legal Lifeline, Uncategorized 8 Comments
This drawing was done by one of our client’s children a few years ago. The drawing is of Legal Wellness Institute (LWI) Assistant Director Caroline Bersak and the client’s artistic talents are obviously impressive. Caroline exclaimed,
“That is the exact outfit I was wearing and how I had my hair that day!”
Caroline and her colleagues were representing the client in family court to adopt her step-daughter, whose biological parents are both deceased. Our client brought the kids with her one day when she and Caroline met; The Family Center, of course, had materials on-hand to keep the children entertained.
This drawing has been hanging on the bulletin board over Caroline’s desk for the past few years. Caroline asserts,
“It makes me happy every time I see it.”
The adoption of this client’s stepdaughter (now daughter) was finalized in November 2016.
The Family Center LWI provides legal services and representation to thousands of New York City families every year. While this portrait of Caroline makes her happy, one can only wonder: how happy the child who drew it was, how happy her sibling who was adopted is, and how thrilled their caregiver was to have expert legal support in the adoption matter. All in a day’s work for LWI!
Gratitude in the New Year
Posted: January 24, 2017 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment
Legal Wellness Institute staff, including Caroline (left) and Jonathan (3rd from left), with a grateful client family
Hi Jonathan,
Prom Roses
Posted: May 9, 2016 Filed under: Uncategorized 1 CommentWhile prom can be a very exciting time in high school, family financial constraints can prevent some from attending, as may be the case with many of TFC’s adolescent clients. This past Saturday, The Yellow Rose Project helped remove that burden by escorting TFC high school girls shopping for prom dresses.
See more photos of giggles in the fitting rooms below and if you are interested in sponsoring a young lady’s prom experience, you can still donate to The Yellow Rose Project.
The Family Center is thankful to Shauna Kamiel, the visionary founder of The Yellow Rose Prom Project, and all those who donated to support this initiative benefiting our adolescent girls.
What A Difference..
Posted: April 8, 2016 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentSince its inception, The Buddy Program has matched adult mentors with over 400 children confronting difficult life events, such as parental illness or familial crisis. These mentors have become friends and shoulders to lean on during the hard times. We’re proud of the adults that take on the sometime challenging role of mentor and the bonds they create with their Buddies.
This May, join us at BLOOM to support our children and meet some of their mentors who are making a positive impact on young New Yorkers’ lives.
The Need to Belong & The Power of Groups
Posted: May 15, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: #Belonging, #FathersResourceFair, #grandparents, #GroupActivities, #NYCAdministrationforChildrensServices, #SoberStPatricks, #Solidarity, #Strength, @CathedralHS_NYC, @JFKRunwayRun, @NYCHA, @SPCBCBKNY Leave a comment“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” — Maya Angelou
Belongingness is the human emotional need to be an accepted member of a group. Whether it’s a group of friends, family members, or the Brooklyn United Drumline tapping out syncopated rhythms on Fulton Street, humans have a strong desire to belong and be a part of something greater than themselves. Within the past two months, I’ve taken notice of how people have gained strength, solidarity, and a sense of belonging through their participation in groups.
On March 17th 2015, I volunteered at the Sober St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Cathedral High School. Bill Reilly created this annual event “to reclaim the true spirit of the day and to change the perception and experience of what St. Patrick’s Day can be.” Through story-telling, song, and dance, this event united individuals looking to celebrate Irish culture in a safe, alcohol-free setting. Those recovering from the disease of addiction could certainly feel a sense of belonging, which is vital in sustaining positive change.
According to my calendar, March 20th 2015 marked the first day of spring, however it certainly did not feel like it! The Family Center’s Legal Coordinator, Jonathan Riedel, and I trudged through snow to visit St. Paul Community Baptist Church, home of the The Inner Circle of Grandparents. I was very inspired by the dedication of these grandparents who meet on a regular basis in order to share their strength and resources. It was easy to tell that the grandparents provided valuable support to one another and genuinely enjoyed one another’s company (fierce bowling competitions aside).
On Friday, April 17th 2015, The Family Center was invited to participate in the 4th Annual Father’s Resource Fair in the Bronx. Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including staff members from NYC Administration for Children’s Services, New York City Housing Authority, and other community-based organizations. Without proper guidance and support, it’s easy for fathers to become frustrated and lost within multiple systems. Although hitesite.com is an excellent way of finding resources in New York City, there is no replacement for face-to-face collaboration with other service providers.
Groups are also a useful tool for maintaining healthy changes. After seeing some of my colleagues run during the New York City Marathon, I started to run recreationally in November 2014. In the beginning, I only wanted to run alone, partially due to my sloth-like pace. After participating in the JFK Runaway Run on April 19th 2015, I’ve realized another distinct advantage of groups: accountability. Running in a group with my colleagues gave me the motivational boost to help me reach a personal record. Plus, these days I can run at a respectable, tortoise-like pace.
Everyone deserves to be part of something. If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about the different services or support groups at The Family Center, feel free to reach out to me at 718-230-1379, ext. 182.
-Julian Ho
B-WEL Coordinator
B-WEL is Brooklyn Women Enjoying Life, which is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and aimed at reducing Brooklyn women’s risk for substance abuse and HIV
Grandparents Thankful: We Travel in All Kinds of Weather
Posted: April 24, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: #grandparents, #thankful Leave a comment
Jonathan and Julian with The Inner Circle of Grandparents Ministry of St Paul Community Baptist Church
Last month, The Inner Circle of Grandparents Ministry of St. Paul Community Baptist Church welcomed Family Center Legal Services Coordinator Jonathan Riedel and B-WEL (Brooklyn-Women Enjoying Life) Program Coordinator Julian Ho to make a presentation on our services available to grandparent caregivers. Jonathan and Julian traveled through the last snowfall of the season to greet these grandparents and equip them with valuable information. The next day, Family Center Director of Legal Services, Adam Halper, received a heart-warming thank-you email from the group’s facilitator Sharon Drummond; she graciously agreed to let us quote her below.
The Inner Circle of Grandparents, would like to thank you, and allowing Jonathan and Julian to come out and speak to our support group, in spite of the weather conditions. They did an excellent job !!!! By popular demand we want them to come back. It is evident that good leaders come from great organizations as The Family Center , also as well as yourself. Thank you again for the partnership.
Outreach Accolades
Posted: March 31, 2015 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentThe Family Center often receives praise and thanks from our colleagues in the nonprofit industry and elsewhere. When we do, we like to share it with you, our supporters and blog followers! See below for a recent commendation that a staff member received through our website following an outreach event hosted by our Outreach Coordinator José Colón-Berdecía, who has been spreading the word about our services in the community for the past seven years. In fact, today, March 31st, 2015 is José’s 7th Anniversary working at The Family Center. Happy Anniversary, José! Keep up the good work!
José Colón-Berdecía, Family Center Outreach Coordinator, travels the City to spread the word about our services & programs.
Good afternoon, Just would like to thank and commend the presenter, Mr. José Colón-Berdecía, on an excellent presentation he gave with documentation. His approach and dedication to assist people who need assistance, is an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great work for both the agency and the individuals such as Mr. Colón-Berdecía. -Pablos Davalos, SBO/HRA Collaboration
Family Is Our Middle Name 